IT'S congratulations to charity champ Tommy 'The Clown' Armstrong after Sir Cliff Richard supported his fundraising.

Sir Cliff has signed an electric guitar so that Tommy can auction it off to help good causes.

Tommy, who is renowned for his musical bucket collections in West Blackhall Street, is a huge fan of the famous singer.

The 78-year-old, who has appeared on ITV's This Morning programme, was ecstatic when his hero signed his guitar along with the message 'Rock On' at a concert at Cartmel Racecourse in Cumbria.

Tommy said: "It's great - I'm over-the-moon.

"I travelled down to the races and I left the guitar for Cliff Richard to sign.

"I didn't get the chance to meet him because he was very busy but I'm so grateful that he signed the guitar.

"I'm going to auction it off and hopefully raise thousands for charity."

Tommy, who has collected an incredible £252,000 for charities since 1984, said he is a huge fan of Sir Cliff.

He said: "I have always been a fan, right from day one - I have got all 78 records.

"I like his style of music.

"I have also read all about Cliff's life story.

"He's had to make his own way in life which is like me as I've had to fight through life after I was adopted when I was young."

Tommy, who lives in Stafford Road, is now in the process of getting the guitar authenticated before he puts it up for auction.

He added: "The guitar is not in my house, it is being kept elsewhere in a safe place."